Sprinter red-faced after finding 'stolen' spikes

LONDON - Australian sprinter Andrew McCabe was left red-faced Tuesday after British police went on the hunt for his "stolen" running spikes -- only for them to turn up in another of his bags.

One of McCabe's bags, which also contained personal items including his national kit and mobile phone, was stolen from a bench besides the running track as he practiced at Tonbridge School in Kent, southeast of London, on Friday.

He thought his spikes had gone too -- but in fact, they hadn't gone very far at all.

"Andrew had lost some gear but he is a little bit red-faced because his spikes have turned up in another bag," said Mike Tancred, media director for the Australian Olympics team.

"He got a little bit over-excited. We are a bit embarrassed about it but we are appreciative of all the efforts done by Kent Police."

A 28-year-old man, from Tonbridge, was arrested on Saturday and police said Tuesday that a 27-year-old woman, also from the town, had been detained. Both have been freed on police bail.

"Property has been recovered but the running spikes no longer form part of the investigation," a Kent Police statement said.

"The athlete has got his spikes back."

McCabe, 21, is due to compete in the 4x100m relay on Friday.

(AFP)